Science has given us a lot of gifts, among which is the gift of timeless beauty. With new anti-aging and rejuvenating treatments, you can shed years off your face in a matter of minutes! The most popular treatments today are Botox and dermal fillers, both non-surgical treatments administered through injections.
These are preferred not only because they’re non-intrusive procedures but also for their effectiveness. However, there are several differences between the two. If you’re considering opting for these treatments and want to know more about them, this article will help you understand their benefits and distinct uses. This way, you can decide which treatment is right for you.
What is Botox?
Botox is a treatment that, in simple terms, temporarily freezes muscle contraction, thereby causing the muscles to relax. This prevents the onset of or increases in dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those that appear with facial movement.
The most common among such wrinkles are crow’s feet which form around the eyes that appear when you smile, and the horizontal forehead lines that emerge while frowning. By not allowing the muscles to move, Botox treatments significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Botox, however, is not a permanent treatment and only works temporarily. On average, the effects of Botox last between 3 to 4 months, after which you need to go for another session. There are certain risks associated with Botox treatments as well, which depend on the kind of treatment you opt for.
Make sure to go to a certified clinic that has all the licenses required to administer Botox. Look up the top Allergan (Botox manufacturer) providers in your city to find the best clinic. For instance, the best Botox in Cary, NC is Bodylase, which falls within the top 1% of national Allergan providers.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are also a treatment primarily targeted toward treating facial wrinkles. These are soft tissue fillers injected into the face to make the target area appear fuller and plumper. Dermal fillers help reduce static wrinkles and fine lines, which are always present on the face.
Static wrinkles are permanent as they are a result of loss of collagen and skin elasticity. However, in addition to this, dermal fillers can also be used for plumping up the lips and enhancing cheeks for a fuller look. They are also effective for softening scars and filling in the undereye or any other shallow area of the face.
Dermal fillers are also not permanent solutions, but different kinds of fillers can last for different periods, from a few months to as long as 2 years. As with all anti-aging treatments, there are also risks that come with getting dermal fillers.
If you decide to get dermal fillers, choose an FDA-approved filler and find a licensed clinic that has certified staff that follows the latest legislation concerning dermal fillers.
Botox v. Dermal Fillers
Now that you’ve learned what Botox and dermal fillers are, you have to decide which treatment is right for you. To make your decision, you need to consider the major differences between them. These can be narrowed down to the purpose, the durability of the treatment, and the associated side effects:
- Use
As seen above, Botox only works for dynamic wrinkles by preventing the targeted muscles from contracting. On the other hand, dermal fillers work not only on static wrinkles but can also be used to augment and plump different parts of the face and reduce scar marks.
So if you’re only looking to stop the appearance of dynamic wrinkles on your face, Botox may be a good choice, but if you want to target more severe signs of aging or just want fuller lips and cheeks, dermal fillers are a better choice for you.
- Longevity
Both Botox and dermal fillers are temporary treatments. The average Botox treatment will last for a maximum of 4 months, after which you will need to go for a repeat session. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are of many different kinds that take different amounts of time to be absorbed into the skin.
Some might last 6-8 months, while others can exceed 24 months. So based on your requirements, you can choose the treatment which suits you better.
- Risks
Like all cosmetic treatments, both Botox and dermal fillers come with their own risks. With dermal fillers, there are commonly associated side effects such as bruising, bleeding, or swelling.
On the other hand, with Botox, short-term side effects include the above, as well as headache and flu. However, the good part is that all these are temporary and heal in a few days, and the long-term adverse effects of these treatments are not common.
Final Words
Making the decision to opt for a cosmetic treatment, albeit non-surgical, can be overwhelming. It is natural to be a little apprehensive and unsure, but by doing your research and picking a good, licensed clinic, you can be sure that there is little risk involved. These treatments are relatively safe and quick while being extremely effective. We hope this article helped you understand the difference between Botox and dermal fillers, so you can decide which treatment is more suited to your needs.
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